Map of the St. Louis River estuary. Image credit: C. Dettmann/MNSG.
Decades of restoration work have improved the St. Louis River and surrounding communities, but the full value of those improvements has not yet been brought together in one place. This project will identify and organize existing information about the social and economic benefits of restoration in the St. Louis River Area of Concern.
Researchers will review studies, monitoring data, and reports related to restoration projects and their benefits. These may include cleaner water, improved fish and wildlife habitat, expanded recreation, stronger local economies and better quality of life. The project team will develop a framework showing how specific restoration activities lead to environmental improvements and benefits for people.
Partners will help refine the framework and contribute local knowledge, examples, and testimonials. The final products will support communication, planning, and future efforts to measure the economic and community value of restoration in the St. Louis River Basin.
Funding
This project is a 2026 Minnesota Sea Grant Strategic Program Development Project.
Project team
Lead Principal Investigator:
Joshua Schrope
[email protected]
Water Resource Technician
Fond du Lac Resource Management
Co-Principal Investigators:
Olivia Molden
Project Director
Earth Economics
Ken Cousins
Research Principal and Ecological Economist
Earth Economics
Why Sea Grant?
This project supports Minnesota Sea Grant's focus area in Resilient Communities and Economies.
This research will provide Minnesota communities with a clear roadmap to see exactly how a healthier St. Louis River translates into a stronger local economy and a more vibrant community.
Lead scientist(s)
Joshua Schrope
[email protected]
Water Resource Technician
Fond du Lac Resource Management